1997 NFL Draft Filled with Stars

April 19, 1997 - During the 1997 NFL Draft the first pick was taken by the St. Louis Rams who chose Ohio State offensive tackle Orlando Pace. Pace who entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 was followed later in the Draft by the pick of another HOF tackle in Walter Jones at number 6 by the Seahawks according to the Pro Football Reference website. Possibly the steal of this Draft is the KC picking another guy with a Gold Jacket as they took Tony Gonzalez with the thirteenth player taken. Another fella with his head shot in Canton taken in 1997 was Jason Taylor the brilliant defensive end that was chosen with the 73rd overall selection.

The 1997 NFL Draft took place from April 19-20, 1997, at the Paramount Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This draft is notable for producing several Hall of Fame players and other impactful contributors to the league.

Unlike the 1944 draft, which was heavily influenced by the circumstances of World War II, the 1997 draft occurred during a period of relative stability for the NFL. Teams were focused on selecting players based on their college performance and projected professional potential. The draft spanned seven rounds, which is the standard format used in recent decades.

Several trades occurred during the draft, with teams maneuvering to select specific players they coveted. This draft is particularly remembered for the number of high-quality offensive linemen and skilled offensive players selected.

✦ Top Ten Selections of the 1997 NFL Draft:

✦ 1. Orlando Pace (OT) - Ohio State (St. Louis Rams)

✦ 2. Darrell Russell (DT) - Southern California (Oakland Raiders)

✦ 3. Shawn Springs (CB) - Ohio State (Seattle Seahawks)

✦ 4. Peter Boulware (DE) - Florida State (Baltimore Ravens)

✦ 5. Bryant Westbrook (CB) - Texas (Detroit Lions)

✦ 6. Walter Jones (OT) - Florida State (Seattle Seahawks)

✦ 7. Ike Hilliard (WR) - Florida (New York Giants)

✦ 8. James Farrior (LB) - Virginia (New York Jets)

✦ 9. Tom Knight (CB) - Iowa (Arizona Cardinals)

✦ 10. Chris Naeole (G) - Colorado (New Orleans Saints)

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame Players Drafted in 1997:

Orlando Pace (Round 1, Pick 1 - St. Louis Rams)

Walter Jones (Round 1, Pick 6 - Seattle Seahawks)

Tony Gonzalez (Round 1, Pick 13 - Kansas City Chiefs)